ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the main event organised by the UAE Journalists Association to celebrate its silver jubilee, marking 25 years of achievements in supporting journalism and journalists.

TRENDS contributed to the event as a strategic partner, emphasising the integration between think tanks and media institutions and their shared goals in promoting knowledge and research.

The celebration, held on Monday at the InterContinental Festival City Hotel in Dubai, was attended by numerous media, academic and cultural figures from around the world, as well as representatives from international and regional press unions and associations.

Gulf Insights

As part of the main event, a panel discussion titled "Gulf Insights" was held, where participants explored key issues such as security challenges in the GCC region, future economic opportunities, and the promotion of intra-regional tourism. The panel also highlighted the importance of digital media in enhancing the presence of GCC countries on the global stage.

Supporting Knowledge

Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that the center’s participation as a strategic partner in the UAE Journalists Association’s silver jubilee celebration reflects the complementary roles of think tanks and media institutions in promoting purposeful knowledge. He noted that TRENDS’ involvement is part of its ongoing strategy to support the media sector and strengthen the role of research and knowledge in advancing media and creative industries.

Dr. Al-Ali stated added that TRENDS is proud of its strategic partnership with the UAE Journalists Association, which reaffirms the center’s commitment to providing specialised consultations, strategic insights, and media studies that support the media sector and contribute to shaping its future.

Shaping the Future of Media

Dr. Al-Ali further highlighted TRENDS' active role in shaping future media policies through its forward-looking research. He pointed out that the media sector faces evolving challenges, requiring new and adaptable strategies, particularly amid the digital revolution. He stressed that media institutions must provide fast and accurate content, which can only be achieved through comprehensive research and data-driven analysis.

Growing Challenges

Fadheela Al-Maeeni, President of the UAE Journalists Association, noted that various forms of media - print, visual, and audio - are facing growing challenges due to rapid technological advancements and global transformations. She stressed that close cooperation between media institutions and research centers is essential to keep pace with these evolving changes and to develop innovative solutions that enhance media performance and promote knowledge across broad societal levels.

Al-Maeeni added that TRENDS stands out for its in-depth research on modern media trends, including the impact of technology, innovative tools, and artificial intelligence on content creation. Its studies also explore global trends in the media industry and how to harness new technologies to serve journalism and knowledge-based content.

Meetings and Discussions

On the sidelines of the event, the TRENDS delegation held meetings with key media officials, including H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office; H.E. Heba Fatani, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office; H.E. Mohammed Al Hammadi, Director General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM); and H.E. Mohammed Ghanem Mustafa, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Radio.

The delegation also discussed potential research and media partnerships with several international and regional media leaders, including Dominique Pradalié, President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ); Anthony Bellanger, IFJ Secretary-General; Jim Boumelha, IFJ Treasurer; Sabina Inderjit, IFJ Vice President and President of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Journalists (FAPaJ); Othman Nejjari, President of the Moroccan National Press Council; and Abdelkebir Khchichine, President of the National Syndicate of the Moroccan Press.